Mistakenly Treated The Princess As A Concubine - Chapter 32

“Lord Qing, the matter you mentioned isn’t about how much silver is involved—it simply won’t work. Please don’t make things difficult for me,” the brothel steward politely said to Qing Chenning. “There are new guests here, so I must take my leave.”

“Pardon my intrusion, Eunuch. Please carry on with your work,” Qing Chenning said. She had arrived in a hurry and couldn’t think of a better solution at the moment, so she could only say this for now.

Qing Chenning temporarily left the reception room. On her way out, she brushed past Wen Zhuojin, who was entering.

Wen Zhuojin recognized Qing Chenning immediately—not by sight, but by scent.

That same lingering fragrance, carrying a feminine softness… Was this the scent of someone who indulged in women night after night?

And yet, this person still wanted to maintain an image of purity and self-restraint, focused solely on ambition?

Wen Zhuojin scoffed internally but didn’t dwell on it.

Qing Chenning glanced at Wen Zhuojin. Compared to yesterday, when she had her hair down in a disheveled, rogue-like manner, she was now meticulously dressed, with a light veil covering her face. Her jet-black eyes gleamed with intelligence, making her look like a refined noble lady.

Qing Chenning had no idea why she was here, nor did she have the time to ponder it. Stepping outside, she contemplated for a moment before deciding to seek out another connection to see if there was a way to make things work.

Inside, Wen Zhuojin greeted the brothel steward with a respectful bow.

“What brings Miss Wen here today?” the steward asked with a polite smile, showing due respect to Heavenly Xuan Palace.

“Eunuch Chen, I heard that you are quite fond of fragrances, so I brought you some scented products as a gift. Please take a look and see if they suit your taste,” Wen Zhuojin said, handing the items over with a slight curve to her eyes. Beneath the veil, her lips trembled slightly, as if she were suppressing something.

On her way here, Wen Zhuojin had remembered that the brothel steward was a eunuch.

She had always had complicated feelings about eunuchs—she kept a respectful distance from them.

The main reason was their scent. It was unpleasant to her, an assault on her keen sense of smell.

And the steward before her was no exception.

It was only after asking Zheng QianQing that Wen Zhuojin learned that eunuchs, due to the destruction of their physiological structure, often carried a peculiar odor.

Many eunuchs wore fragrances in an attempt to mask this scent.

As a result, eunuchs were a major consumer group for scented products.

Since she was already here, Wen Zhuojin took the opportunity to promote her own fragrances.

She selected a scent particularly effective at covering odors and presented it to the brothel steward.

“This incense can be used to scent clothing while burning, leaving a long-lasting fragrance that doesn’t dissipate. The scent is mild and can be worn daily. A single piece lasts for a month, and even when handled, it leaves a lingering fragrance on the hands,” Wen Zhuojin explained concisely.

This eunuch had been assigned to the brothel as an external post—not without skill, but as he aged, his body’s odor became displeasing to his master. Despite using various perfumes, he could no longer mask it, making him unfit for close service. Naturally, his status declined over time.

This made him particularly fond of fine fragrances.

As Wen Zhuojin spoke, he focused intently on the incense.

To serve the noble figures in the palace, a eunuch’s fragrance had to mask odors effectively—without being too overpowering and stealing the spotlight.

Wen Zhuojin lit the incense for him to sample, describing its composition and unique qualities. Before long, the brothel steward grew highly fond of the product.

As expected of the champion of the Fragrance Competition.

“Miss Wen, I’ll gladly accept this incense. Now, is there anything I can do for you?” The brothel steward, after savoring the fragrance for a while, asked with an increasingly warm smile.

“This matter has weighed on my heart for years,” Wen Zhuojin began, her voice laced with resentment.

“It started at a flower appreciation banquet—there was a so-called talented lady who humiliated me in public. I swallowed my anger at the time, but only recently did I learn that she had been sent to the brothel. After years of pent-up frustration, I finally have a way to settle this score.

I wonder if Eunuch could grant me a favor—would it be possible for me to purchase this woman as my personal servant?” Wen Zhuojin asked, gritting her teeth.

That Min Xiwen, no matter what, was still the daughter of a convicted official. Wen Zhuojin needed a solid reason to take her away—one that would ensure she wouldn’t get entangled in unnecessary trouble.

The brothel steward deeply resonated with Wen Zhuojin’s words—he too was someone who bore grudges and repaid them when given the chance.

“The brothel has been overcrowded lately, and we’ve already sent a batch of people away. What is the name of the person Miss Wen is looking for? I’ll check if she’s still here,” the steward said.

“Her name is Min Xiwen.”

As soon as Wen Zhuojin revealed the name, the brothel steward’s expression shifted slightly.

“Miss Wen, to be honest, Min Xiwen is a well-known talented woman, and her looks are quite good. Many people are eager to have her serve them, and they’ve offered extremely high prices. If I were to let you buy her, it would be difficult to explain to the others,” the steward admitted.

Just earlier, even that Hanlin scholar had requested Min Xiwen, and the steward hadn’t relented.

“Eunuch Chen, my newly opened fragrance shop is flooded with noble ladies and socialites eager to buy my scents. Some have to wait dozens of days just to get their hands on the fragrance they want.

If Min Xiwen were to suddenly fall ill and become unfit to serve, selling her to me at a lower price wouldn’t be suspicious. In return, I’ll ensure you receive the first batch of any fragrance you desire. Furthermore, whenever I develop a new scent, you’ll be the first to try it.

I sincerely hope you can grant me this favor and allow me to settle this grievance. Otherwise, I fear I won’t be able to eat or sleep in peace,” Wen Zhuojin added, noticing the steward’s hesitation and pressing her case further.

The brothel steward glanced at the incense in his hand, then at Wen Zhuojin.

For her to become the registered disciple of the Heavenly Xuan Palace’s Palace Master, she must have some skills.

And judging from her earlier words, she was clearly someone who held grudges and repaid them accordingly. If he refused her request, she might very well bear a grudge against him.

Making an enemy out of her for no good reason would be unwise.

On the other hand, agreeing to her request came with considerable benefits.

Besides, Wen Zhuojin had already provided a valid excuse.

Between the wealthy patrons who wanted Min Xiwen’s service and Wen Zhuojin, the steward weighed his options for a brief moment before making his decision.

“Alright, Miss Wen, come with me,” he said.

Hearing his agreement, Wen Zhuojin smiled and thanked him.

Had the steward still refused after her offer, she would have had no choice but to let it go.

She followed him out of the reception room, turning past a covered walkway. As they ventured deeper inside, a foul stench hit her—an unpleasant mix of bl00d, mold, and decay.

Wen Zhuojin pressed a handkerchief to her nose, frowning slightly.

Life here must have been wretched for these people.

“If you wish to take someone away, there’s a process to follow. I’ll summon Min Xiwen now. Please wait a moment, Miss Wen,” the steward said, calling for his subordinates.

Soon, an older woman led a young woman toward them.

The young woman’s clothing was thin and tattered, her hair loosely tied with a few cloth strips—not messy, but clearly lacking care. Her face was unadorned, yet her features remained delicate and refined. However, her eyes were as lifeless as still water.

“Min Xiwen, look at you now,” Wen Zhuojin sneered, making an effort to put on a show of animosity.

Min Xiwen’s gaze settled on Wen Zhuojin.

“Years ago, at the Grand Duchess’s flower banquet, you mocked me in public and humiliated me before everyone. You may have forgotten, but I haven’t.

From now on, you are my lowly servant. Whatever I tell you to do, you will do!”

Wen Zhuojin shot Min Xiwen a meaningful look, unsure if she understood. Nevertheless, she continued her act, speaking with feigned arrogance and anger.

Min Xiwen gazed into Wen Zhuojin’s eyes, and for the first time, a ripple appeared in her otherwise lifeless stare.

The brothel steward handed Min Xiwen’s contract to Wen Zhuojin and even offered a few words of reassurance.

Holding the contract, Wen Zhuojin finally breathed a sigh of relief—only to feel a pang in her heart upon hearing the ransom price.

Fifty taels of silver.

She would never have spent that much just to buy a maid for herself.

“Many thanks to you today, Eunuch Chen. If you ever need any incense in the future, you may always come to me,” Wen Zhuojin said, gritting her teeth as she handed over the silver. She then took Min Xiwen and walked away.

They had only taken a few steps outside when Wen Zhuojin spotted a line of more than ten people, all bound together. Their faces were pale and sickly, some bore visible injuries, and they were being escorted by government officers—clearly on their way to be sent elsewhere.

“Miss, please buy me as well! I can do anything!”

Among the group, one person suddenly knelt and begged toward Wen Zhuojin, seemingly grasping at hope after witnessing her redeem Min Xiwen.

Wen Zhuojin halted in her tracks, a tingling sensation running up her scalp.

Before the person could say anything more, they were struck by an officer’s baton and dragged back to their feet.

“Where are those people being taken?” Wen Zhuojin asked casually.

“The brothel has too many people lately. These ones failed the assessment and are difficult to tame, so they’re being sold off to the slave market or external brothels,” the steward explained.

Despite being beaten, the person continued crying out for Wen Zhuojin to save them.

Wen Zhuojin never considered herself a good person, but as she stood there under the gaze of the line of captives, she couldn’t shake an uncomfortable feeling in her heart.

“My shop has been quite busy lately, and I’m thinking of opening a few more. I was planning to hire some new workers anyway. If these people are cheaper than those at the slave market, I might pick a few capable ones. How does Eunuch Chen set the price?” Wen Zhuojin asked after a brief thought.

“If Miss Wen wants them, of course, I’ll give you a discount. I’ll take another ten percent off the price they’d fetch at the slave market or brothels. That line of people—four taels of silver each. You may choose as you please,” the steward replied, showing her some favor.

Wen Zhuojin hesitated for a moment. Four taels for an adult was indeed a bargain.

“I have no use for useless people. Tell me your skills, and I’ll decide whether you’re worth buying,” she said, pausing in her steps and addressing the group.

The steward gestured for the captives to be brought closer.

“I can do embroidery, especially double-sided stitching.”

“Miss, I can make pastries—all kinds! I can also—”

“I’m skilled in music, proficient in six instruments, and in addition—”

One by one, they desperately listed their talents.

“I… I can write and do bookkeeping,” came the final voice.

It belonged to a woman with a large scar covering part of her face. She kept her head lowered and spoke with a stammer.

Wen Zhuojin didn’t bother verifying their claims of having special skills—she simply bought them all.

A total of eleven people, and even then, they cost less than Min Xiwen alone.

She had arrived alone but was leaving with a whole group. The steward of the entertainment bureau was even considerate enough to assign a government officer to escort Wen Zhuojin and her new servants.

For now, she planned to settle them in her fragrance shop and figure out their roles later. Just feeding this many people daily would be an expense, so she needed to put them to work as soon as possible.

As Wen Zhuojin led her group out of the entertainment bureau, Qing Chenning happened to arrive with another man.

Among the people Wen Zhuojin had just purchased, Qing Chenning caught sight of the very woman he had come to redeem. His steps halted.

“Mister Qing, what’s wrong? Didn’t you say this was urgent?” the man accompanying him asked.

“Not anymore. Thanks for your help, but it seems I won’t be needing it after all,” Qing Chenning replied, his eyes still fixed on Wen Zhuojin’s direction.

Others might not know, but Qing Chenning had personally witnessed Wen Zhuojin’s fondness for women—she had even dared to flirt with the Eldest Princess.

And now, she had redeemed Min Xiwen? Who knew how much silver and influence she had spent?

Not just one, either—she had taken a whole group.

Was this at the Eldest Princess’s command, or was Wen Zhuojin acting on her own?

If she was doing this on her own… Then not only had the Eldest Princess been flirted with, but she might soon have to share her “wife” with other women?

This was something he needed to inform the Eldest Princess about.

Unaware of Qing Chenning’s thoughts, Wen Zhuojin was already deep in contemplation as she led her new servants back. She frequently asked them about their backgrounds and skills along the way.

Upon reaching the fragrance shop, she brought them to the backyard and summoned Jin Rui to help arrange their accommodations.

They had mentioned their skills earlier, so Wen Zhuojin instructed Jin Rui to assess them and make the necessary arrangements.

“Miss Min, I know you come from a noble background, but here, you’re just an ordinary person. If you’re of no use, I won’t keep you,” Wen Zhuojin said, addressing Min Xiwen directly after arranging her separately.

“Miss Wen, I understand. I’m deeply grateful for being redeemed by you. I’ll do my best in everything I know, whenever you need it,” Min Xiwen replied, bowing to Wen Zhuojin.

“Good. I would like you to come up with elegant names for each of my perfumes, preferably with some poetry to match. I’ll send you the samples. Also, if you can draw, perhaps you could design some elegant incense papers and ink, ones that noble ladies and scholars would appreciate,” Wen Zhuojin said thoughtfully.

Min Xiwen agreed to all the requests without showing any airs of a young mistress.

Seeing Min Xiwen’s attitude, Wen Zhuojin felt slightly reassured.

When she returned to the fragrance shop, Wen Zhuojin checked in with the shopkeeper about the situation, reviewed the accounts, and made a list of the perfumes and materials to buy.

After taking care of all that, it was already mid-afternoon. Wen Zhuojin hurriedly made her way to Wujiao Alley.

Yan Qinglan had felt good since waking up that morning.

Her mind felt clearer than usual.

The more she thought about the current situation, the more issues seemed to arise.

She had been too brief with her instructions to Qing Chenning the previous day.

The Clean Stream had been interrogated relentlessly, and desperate people could do anything.

None of those interrogated were fools.

If they united and truly rebelled, it would be a huge problem.

Besides Qing Chenning, who else in the capital could be relied on?

She needed to have Qing Chenning ally with a few more people and find a way to protect the Clean Stream families who had fallen into the entertainment bureau’s hands. Otherwise, even if those people returned later, it would be hard for them to stay loyal.

While Yan Qinglan was lost in thought, Wen Zhuojin returned.

“Sister, how was your day?” Wen Zhuojin asked, approaching Yan Qinglan. Startled, Yan Qinglan shivered and immediately felt a hand gently stroking her back.

“Sorry, did I scare you, Sister? Don’t worry, don’t worry. Here, have a sweet to calm your nerves,” Wen Zhuojin cooed, popping a newly bought candied fruit into Yan Qinglan’s mouth.

With the sweet and sour taste lingering in her mouth, Yan Qinglan’s thoughts drifted back to the events of the previous day.

“Sister, what I said yesterday, it was useful, right? You didn’t have an episode today, and you’re feeling better than usual?” Wen Zhuojin whispered, leaning closer to Yan Qinglan.

Feeling Wen Zhuojin’s breath so close, Yan Qinglan’s face turned red with heat.